Freshman tackle already gaining favor with Red Raiders

Outlaw's initiative helps put him in picture for two-deep

Texas Tech assistant Lee Hays can recall only two offensive linemen playing as true freshmen on teams he’s coached. That number could increase this season, be it by merit or desperation.

One hopeful sign: He was surprised to see an incoming freshman take the unique step Josh Outlaw did, watching the Red Raiders’ spring practices online and calling the teacher.

“I’ve never seen an offensive lineman to date break down (video of) every spring practice, an incoming kid,” Hays said. “I’ve never seen that, and this kid did that. And would call me after (Tech) practice.

“We have that (online video) system. If they have a password, they can get on and watch it. He would call me at night after practice and ask me about this, this, this, this and this.

“Now, we don’t have the pads on. I’m hoping, have my fingers crossed, all that stuff. But he’s earned the right to get a shot.”

The 6-foot-4, 285-pound Outlaw, from Lithonia, Ga., was heavily recruited, pursued by the likes of Oklahoma, Florida, Georgia, Clemson and Tennessee.

Long term, Hays projects Outlaw as a left tackle, but the Red Raiders are comfortable with Le’Raven Clark starting there. So when August practices start, Hays plans to audition senior Rashad Fortenberry, Outlaw and second-team left tackle Matt Wilson at right tackle.

Tech coaches hope the February signing class can provide a player or two for the two-deep in a thin line. The freshman group also includes Poet Thomas from Beverly Hills, Mich., projected at right tackle, Cody Hayes from Fort Worth Eastern Hills slotted at guard and Baylen Brown from San Antonio O’Connor at guard and center.

“Just from watching the film, purely from watching the film, Josh Outlaw’s an impressive athlete,” Tech coach Kliff Kingsbury said. “With his body type, his athleticism, if he can pick up the system, you’d think he would be able to give you some depth immediately.

“That’s one on film that jumps out, but all of them are guys with good size. I really didn’t feel like any of them are true project guys.”

Though coaches are unable to supervise June and July workouts, Hays said he’s also liked what he’s seen of Thomas.

“Big Poet’s looked good for a freshman,” Hays said. “He came from Michigan, a private high school, but it was one of the premier private schools, where kids get highly recruited out of there.

“Poet and Josh are kind of in a position where they might play.”

The Red Raiders signed five offensive linemen in February. However, offensive tackle Aaron Bennett from Riverside (Calif.) City College told Wreckem247.com on Saturday that some of his classes would not transfer to Tech, prompting him to seek another option.

Bennett told Wreckem247.com editor Landon Wright he has committed to Kansas State after visiting there Wednesday to Friday.